Insider Tips on the Best Time to Visit Croatia

Image courtesy of Villa Nai 3.3

With its stunning Adriatic coastline, charming medieval towns and vibrant cultural heritage, Croatia is a treasure waiting to be discovered. And Fora travelers agree. This year we’ve seen bookings in Croatia triple, confirming what many already know — Croatia is well worth the trip. 

We’ve got the insider intel based on our bookings data on when to visit this European gem, especially if you want to plan around peak season. Our Fora Advisors recently returned from a scouting trip to the country, and they’re sharing their take on how to maximize your time in the country, plus their picks on where to go. 

“I love Croatia for its pristine natural beauty and the kind, vibrant spirit of its people,” Fora Advisor Katy Hoogerwerf said. “Dedication to tradition and quality ensures every experience feels genuinely Croatian.” 

Whether you want to bask on the beaches, uncover the region’s history or delve into local experiences, here are some of the best times to visit Croatia, plus where to stay.

Ready to get away? Connect with a Fora Advisor to plan your Croatia adventure.

Pre-summer months: good weather and fewer crowds

Images courtesy of Grand Park Hotel Rovinj

Known as shoulder season for Croatia’s coastal destinations, May is typically noted as the one of the best times to visit Croatia for those seeking a less crowded experience but still want mild weather. And with dramatic cliffside towns and charming inland villages, visitors have their choice of gorgeous natural landscapes.

Looking at our data, May travel shows that bookings start to pick up, but it’s still a prime time to visit to avoid the main summer crowds. 

“As with much of Europe, travel seasons are shifting as more travelers seek to avoid peak summer crowds, making shoulder seasons (May–June and September–early October) a little more crowded than in the past, but still wonderful times to go,” Katy said.

Croatia’s national parks come alive in spring, the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka boasting dramatic waterfalls at full flow. Set between Zagreb and Split, these destinations offer a fantastic day trip option for hiking, swimming (if warm enough) and soaking in nature.

Foodies should head to Istria, where spring marks the beginning of the truffle hunting season. Towns like Rovinj and Pula host various food festivals celebrating Croatian cuisine, wine and the beloved truffle, and you can even book a tour to search for your own truffle treasures.

“Zadar is a really hidden gem — it's right there on the sea, but between the more popular cities and sights, so it's often overlooked,” Fora Advisor Karyn Pavich said. “Never too crowded and you can take a walk through antiquity — definitely check out the Archaeological Museum.”

Prime hotels for enjoying views without the crowds:

Grand Park Hotel Rovinj: A contemporary retreat that offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and the charming old town of Rovinj. Book with Fora to receive VIP perks like $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever available. 

Hotel Bastion, Zadar: Charming boutique hotel with marina views and breezy outdoor terraces steps from town. Relais & Châteaux Preferred Partner Perks include daily breakfast and a welcome amenity.

Summer months: sunny splendor for beach lovers

Image courtesy of Palace Elisabeth, Hvar Heritage Hotel

The Adriatic coast is bustling with activity during summertime, particularly June and July — the area’s busiest tourist season. Pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and a plethora of water sports beckon sun-seeking visitors in destinations like Hvar, Dubrovnik and Split, plus a host of islands along the Dalmatian coast. 

On the island of Hvar, “Maslina Resort is an eco-friendly haven, nestled into the coastline, next to one of the oldest towns in Europe,” according to Karyn.

“You're greeted with sailboats gliding across the still sea, and fishing boats dotting the bay, no matter where you are, or in which direction that you look,” she said. 

Historical sites like Dubrovnik’s Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace in Split pair with summer festivals and a lively nightlife for a balanced holiday, and the warm weather is ideal for island hopping, with countless coves and hidden beaches waiting to be visited. 

Although the summer season means cruise ships at some ports, the warm Mediterranean climate and the abundance of water activities make summer irresistible for an unforgettable Croatian adventure.

“Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik is one of my favorite hotels in the world,” Fora Advisor Melissa Curtin said. “All rooms hang over the ocean and breakfast is phenomenal as you are also perched over the sea.”

Splendid coastal hotels for summer fun:

Maslina Resort, Hvar: Modern oasis with upscale yet understated style in a spectacular private setting. Fora’s VIP perks include $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. 

Palace Elisabeth, Hvar Heritage Hotel: A grand property in Hvar Town with a lovely pool and spa, plus elegant rooms and outdoor terraces. Fora Perks include daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever available.

Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik: Superb clifftop gem with laid-back but stylish rooms, plus a pool and beach with lovely Adriatic views.

Fall shoulder season: cooler days & less tourists

Image courtesy of Sun Gardens Dubrovnik

Mid-September through October is the other side of shoulder season, providing relief from both the summer heat and tourists. Even though temperatures cool off, the Adriatic still retains some summer warmth, making ocean dips enjoyable. And the fiery colors of fall foliage add to the splendor of visiting the national parks.

Fall is also the time for cultural events in cities like Dubrovnik and Zagreb, which hosts an annual film festival. Other autumn discoveries include the prized white truffle. Unlike black truffles that are harvested most of the year, the highly sought after white variety is found only from October through December and is celebrated at festivals in Istria.

Fabulous hotels with easy access to city and coast:

Sun Gardens Dubrovnik: Sprawling seaside resort with Adriatic views, contemporary and a host of activities. Leading Hotels (LHW) Perks include daily breakfast and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Villa Nai 3.3, Žman: An incredible hideaway built into a hillside with sea views and elegant decor on Dugi Otok island. Book with Fora to lock in $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. 

Winter & early spring: festive markets and urban adventures

Image courtesy of Esplanade Zagreb Hotel

Even though many coastal properties shut down from November to April, urban spots are still vibrant cultural hubs. Zagreb and Dubvonik are superb destinations to explore over festive dates. With cobbled streets awash in the glow of holiday lights, the outdoor Christmas markets, such as Zagreb’s Advent Market, offer a host of activities, concerts and of course, food.

With the sea as a backdrop, Dubrovnik hosts a winter festival, creating pedestrian-friendly avenues and a schedule of events for celebrating the season. Although some of the summer resorts are closed, there are several year-round properties and plenty of concerts, kids’ activities and restaurants that can make your visit special. 

Winter visits, while chilly (particularly Dubrovnik with the winds off the sea), often allow travelers to dive deeper into the local scene because there are less tourists. And skiers might be surprised to know that Sljeme ski mountain is only a half-hour outside of Zagreb.

Festive hotels for the winter season:

Esplanade Zagreb Hotel: Stately hotel with elegant rooms and fine dining near city parks. Fora’s VIP perks include $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. 

Rixos Premium Dubrovnik: Well-appointed, clifftop hotel with a spa, multiple restaurants and a casino. Tablet Pro Perks include a $25 daily spa credit, an upgrade and extended checkout whenever possible.

Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik: Seaside property with elegant rooms and on-site dining within easy reach of Old Town.

Ready to get away? Connect with a Fora Advisor to plan your Croatia adventure.